TMJ Splint

TMJ Splint

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause pain in the jaw joint, as well as in the muscles that control jaw movement. From arthritis to jaw injuries to chronic teeth grinding, the painexperienced by a TMJ disorder can be due to a combination of factors. Oftentimes, these symptoms are temporary and pain can be alleviated with conservative measures, like TMJ splints.

What Is a TMJ Splint?

Used to treat TMJ disorders, splints – also referred to as mouth guards, mouthpieces and occlusal appliances – are designed to cover some or all of the teeth. Splints are usually made from soft or hard plastic and can be worn on the bottom or top teeth. While there are a few different kinds of splints, including stabilization splints and repositioning splints, they all serve one purpose: to help relieve jaw pain in TMJ disorder patients.

How Do TMJ Splints Work?

Depending on the patient, oral splints are worn for a specific period of time, ranging from months to years. The appliance can be adjusted and fine-tuned during splint therapy, helping to temporarily eliminate bite disharmony and any pain from the TMJ disorder by placing the jaw joints in a stable position. Splints also allow jaw muscles and ligaments to relax and angle the bite into an ideal position, which helps alleviate the tension in the jaw that can trigger TMJ pain.

Learn More about Splint Therapy

If you suffer from TMJ pain, Red Bank Smiles can help. We’ll find the cause of your TMJ disorder and recommend a splint that may help alleviate your pain. If splint therapy is unsuccessful, we can look into other treatment options to improve your quality of life. To learn more about TMJ splints, contact us today, and schedule an appointment at our Red Bank, NJ office.

About Red Bank Smiles

When it comes to oral health, we know that it affects every part of your life, from how comfortably you can eat to how confidently you smile; from the health of your heart to the health of your brain; that the whole body is connected to the whole person. We understand that you want to be proud of your smile. We understand you want to be comfortable and out of pain. We understand you don’t want to have problems in the future. And we know you don’t want it to cost a lot or take a lot of time. From regular cleanings to full-mouth rehabilitation, call us now to find out how we can help you!